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Original poster

Over flow pipe literally overflowing...,

31 replies

SilverLining · 14/01/2014 20:36

That's it really! Our overflow pipe has been pouring out for the last hour or so - it's not just a dribble it's like Niagra falls. It goes on a conservatory roof so sounds v v loud.... Any ideas or is it a plumber job?? DH works away (not that he'd be any good!) and I'm not the most handy...

Thankyou...!

OP posts:
NotALondoner · 14/01/2014 20:49

Turn the stopcock off? But I don't think you can have the heating on then???

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 20:52

It's slowing down a bit.... Think I might just shut the door & ring plumber in the morning! Thanks for the idea though!

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 14/01/2014 20:54

is it an overflow from the toilet cistern? Something to do with where the ballcock is sitting maybe? Google/youtube might help

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 20:59

I'm not sure!!! There are 2 pipes as I look at the roof and it's the one on the right. It's still coming out quite fast bit trying to get DDs to sleep so can't go crashing around loft... Plumber tomorrow??

OP posts:
Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:00

Ooooo - thanks for link - will study now....

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 14/01/2014 21:02

oh, is it from the roof rather than the side of your house where your bathroom would be? Do you have a cold water tank in the loft?

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:04

Yes it's the roof - just under the fascia board. I'm not sure what we have in the loft! Sorry - am so rubbish....

OP posts:
Xfirefly · 14/01/2014 21:05

DP has just said 'either the ballcock needs adjusting or the valve on the ballcock needs replacing but 9times out of 10 it needs adjusting'.

we've had the same problem.

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:08

Really Xfirefly? Did adjusting it sort out your problem?? DD2 thinks it's the heaviest rainstorm and refusing to sleep till it stops - arghhhhh!!!!! Thanks to your DP too!

OP posts:
Moleyjay · 14/01/2014 21:08

Our water tank in the loft was overflowing for ages until we noticed as it went straight into the gutter! It was only down to the fact the guttering was cracked and we noticed continually leaking even on a sunny day that we realised something was up! If it is your water tank it was a simple job to correct the problem.

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:10

Thanks Moleyjay - I probably wouldn't have noticed either but landing on a conservatory roof makes it sound v v loud!!! How did you fix yours??

OP posts:
Moleyjay · 14/01/2014 21:10

The plumber said our ballcock needed adjusting too and didn't charge as it was so quick!

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:11

Good to hear!!!! Thanks for the link ilovepowerhoop - really helpful!!

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 14/01/2014 21:13

turn off the stopcock for now. If you don't know where it is start by looking under and around the sink. There might be one in the front garden near to where the front gate used to be when the house was built.

If, as I expect, you have a cold water tank in the loft that is overflowing, it will probably have enough water in it to wash and flush WCs for a day or two (but not to have a bath). You can fill the kettle from the kitchen hot tap.

If you are not fond of DIY plumbing ask around for recommendations of a local person. Do not call a non-geographic or non-local phone no, it will be an agency who will take your call and sell it to any workman who has no customers or reputation for some reason and is willing to buy leads and charge you enough to make a profit after paying the agency.

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:17

Thanks PigletJohn - I've got a couple of local plumbers - will call one of them first thing. Think I've found the stopcock - thanks got all advice!

OP posts:
SandyChick · 14/01/2014 21:20

This happened to us a few years ago.
The float valve in the cistern needed replacing.

If you have a water tank in your loft it could be that. It works the same as the toilet cistern. Basically it will just be continually filling the cistern or tank. Best to just shut the water off until you can get it looked at.

TeacupDrama · 14/01/2014 21:20

I think someone needs to look in loft because you do not want a ceiling to come down, if you can not find the stopcock turn on all the taps in the house so water goes down drains rather than elsewhere that gives you time to search for stopcock if you can't find it and your house is exactly as neighbours ask them as your stopcock is almost definitely in the same place

as mentioned earlier under kitchen sink by boiler near hot water tank if you have one if it is outside it maybe under a small cover which needs a tool to turn it off this applies to older houses mainly it can always be turned off at the street but that is more work and money
as everyone else says probably ballcock in tank that needs adjusting

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:22

Thanks Sandychick - glad it doesn't sound too awful!

OP posts:
Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:25

Thanks teacupdrama - FIL coming round!

OP posts:
Xfirefly · 14/01/2014 21:39

yeah it fixed the problem. DP fixed it himself. took a couple of minutes to adjust the ballcock . he said if you get a plumber out make sure they don't charge you a lot as its a couple of minute job.

Original poster
SilverLining · 14/01/2014 21:59

Good tip xfirefly! Stopcock located and turned off - overflow no longer overflowing! Plumber being called 1st thing - thanks v much everyone!

OP posts:
Xfirefly · 14/01/2014 22:00

he also said if you need a new valve it should cost no more than £40 .

PigletJohn · 14/01/2014 22:27

A new ballcock only costs a few pounds, and it is usually quicker and easier to fit a new one than to tinker with the old.

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